7 Questions To Finding Your True Passion

According to a recent survey, about 75% of the population do not know what their true passion is. Clearly, almost everyone seems to not be doing what they were meant to do. This is an eye-opener because doing what we really love is absolutely necessary if we want to be fully happy. Perhaps this is why there is so much unhappiness going on in our society, people just aren’t doing what they are here on Earth for. Finding your true passion isn’t as simple as it may seem. For some, yes it does come naturally, but most of the time, you have to ask yourself some questions to pinpoint exactly what you were born to do. Here are my 7 questions that can guide you to finding your ultimate passion:

What puts a smile on your face?
Is there a particular event, a particular topic that makes your whole face just lighten up? Whatever it is that makes you smile, and makes you happy whenever you encounter it, this is a sign of something you are passionate about. I truly believe that happiness and passion walk hand in hand. Both require each other. So following what makes you truly happy is a wonderful way to figuring out what you were put on Earth for. Think about something that you do or that perhaps you used to do that brings total peace to you when you do it. Peace is happiness, and happiness is passion.

What do you find easy?
Usually, what we find easy for us to do, will be related to what we are passionate about. It’s very hard to hate something that is very easy for us! For example, let’s say you are naturally good at playing the piano, you will find the activity easy, and this ease makes it much more fun for you. Fun leads to happiness and happiness is synonymous with passion 🙂 So assess everything that you do, whatever it is that you find casino really easy and fun, this may very well be your passion. And don’t think that anything is off limits or silly. Some people have taken their passion for skateboarding, drawing, or collecting to full fledged careers. Remember this, you can make a career out of anything you are passionate about.

What sparks your creativity?
One of my passions growing up was hockey. It’s not too surprising, being Canadian and all 😉 But I remember playing for hours and hours, and always coming up with different plays, and different methods to score goals. I was always full of creativity when playing hockey. Later in life, I developed similar creativity in business. Think about something in your life where you seem to always expand its horizon, always coming up with new, fun, and exciting ideas relating to that subject. Whatever makes you creative, is probably something that you are very passionate about.

What would you do for free?
In this society, we are ruled by the almighty dollar. That’s the way the system works, and that’s the game we have to play. The problem is, this leads many people to seek making money first, instead of what makes them happy. I have read countless number of stories about stock brokers and doctors for example, leaving their high paying positions to follow what they really love. There is a reason for that. I truly believe that if you follow what you are passionate about without thinking about if it will make you rich or not, you will end up being successful. Doing what you have a passion for brings out your best, and this leads to greatness. Greatness breezes to success. Do you think that the most successful people in the world got to where they are because they wanted to get rich? Absolutely not, they did what they were so passionate about, and their immense success was just a byproduct of their dedication. So think about something that you would just love to do, even if you were not getting paid. Think about something that you look forward to do, something that you wish you could do all the time.

What do you like to talk about?
The topics of conversation we have can definitely tell what we are interested in, and this is a good way to find out what we really enjoy in life. Most of the time, we aren’t totally aware of this. This is why, a very good way to figure this out properly, is to ask your friends. Ask them what they believe you like to talk about the most. Ask them what topic makes your eyes brighten up, and changes your entire behavior. I can guarantee you that some of their answers will be surprising to you. Some of these things weren’t that clear to you, but your friends can see the reaction on your face that you can’t see yourself. Try it out, it’s a very insightful exercise, and one that can direct you closer to figuring out your passion.

What makes you unafraid of failure?
When we do what we are passionate about, we have total confidence in our abilities. This makes us not worry about failing, because in our mind, how can we fail when we do what we love? Doing what you love is a success in and of itself, so failure is like an impossibility. Think of something that you just do or want to do, no matter what. Something that you do not have second thoughts about. Think about something that you feel you must do and that failure is not even a concern of yours, because the mere act of doing it is like the journey and the destination all wrapped up in one. This may very well be your true passion.

What would you regret not having tried?
We all have these dreams, and somehow, life pushes us in another direction, and next thing we know, we are far from those dreams we used to have. If you were at the end of your life, what would you regret not having pursued? What would you have liked to do, that you didn’t get a chance to? Think about what that might be. Whatever it is that you may experience regret now or later on for not having tried, this is a good chance to be your true passion. There is nothing worse than arriving at the end of the journey and having regret. This is why finding your passion, and following it is so important. Live your life so that you do not have regrets.

I used to look at people who kow their passion naturaly and thought I would get it like that but as I now know it’s my responsibility to find my passion.”My passion is to find my passion until i find it”
and you helped me to realyse it thanks alot …I would love to know what your passion is and how you found it..

What a thought provoking article!. This article has made me to come the conclusion that, the idea I have been nursing in my mind for a very long time now is my passion . I will go ahead and follow my passion with vigor. Thank you very much.

yes it is true! i’ve been searching for my true passion for many years.reading this article was so great.i have come to realized that it is easy to achieve our happiness if we found our true passion that brings out out best to make us great and lead to success. go! and help motivate others to help them realized their true passion in life. if everyone does,everyone is happy!

It’s nice to see an article like this that isn’t a complete load of idealistic rubbish. Just reading through some of the points got my mind working and I had some instant answers, which is a good sign!
The only thing I would call out is “you can make a career out of anything you are passionate about”; you MAY be able to…..just being passionate doesn’t mean you CAN or WILL. I’ll use bands as an example; for every one that gets signed, thousands don’t. There nothing to say the ones that did were any more passionate (or even competent).

Hi Mark, good point…you can pursue to make a career out of a dream, and usually, if there is a will, there is a way. Especially if you have the skills/talent to back it up. We only hear of the bands that make millions and are internationally known, but there are thousands of bands that do well for themselves locally and they do what they love to do.

This article only works if your passion is something you have done or experienced before. It does not offer any help for finding a passion, it simply gives an order to prioritize experiences you have already had.

I believe most people don’t know what their passion is, not because they didn’t recognize it when they experienced it, but because they have not experienced it. Perhaps the only way to find a passion is to experience as much as you can and be mindful of how you feel during each experience. This seems daunting and could take a lifetime.

Those questions are not easy to answer. As we all hit different spots in our life, some might be easier than others. For me, “What Would You Do For Free?” is by far the hardest. Part of the infrastructure of my soul is to make money, and use it to make even more.

Very thought provoking, for sure. Just goes to show how much we don’t know about the person who truly matters most in our lives: ourselves.

i liked the post very much, but i having a problem here my family is sad always fighting with each other i really want to follow my heart by doing lots of things but i just can’t so they i mean my family always fighting and really i can’t live the life i always dreamed about it my dream is living in peace with my family because i really love my family but they always wrong i wanna some one post anything for me..

it’s a wonderfull article! I am a teacher right now, but I feel that it is not something that I want to do for my whole life. your questions help me to figure out what I like most to do, I am still working on it, though. Anyway, may translate it for free and put it in my facebook note? most of my friends are Indonesian, and they know little about english. I just want them feel what I feel when I read this article.

Thought provoking, insightful, direct. I don’t know my passion, but I do know what I do for free, childcare. Since I was 8 I took care of little-er kids, I always knew I wanted to be a mom and so I became one. Now a mom of two awesome kids, at age 33, I’ve found myself unemployed and with nothing to do, so I decided to seek my passion. I love being there for friends and family in need, never thinking if I will even get a ride home in return. I know i love to talk about the history of past and present religions and about different sciences so happily that my kids call me a geek, lol… people also facsinate me, specially how we react, what makes us tick, and our gullability, which I think is nothing more than fear to question authority and to be open to the unknown. Even as I believe this, I am afraid of the unknown and have never taken an actual leep of “faith”, I’m in the process of finding my passion volunteering in my community… will try to update as I move forward on my search. Thanks for the article, it was truly an eye opener.

The questions you ask really help to put you in the right mindset. I recently found myself embarking on my own journey to discover my purpose, or passion in life. The biggest advice I can give is to have patience. This doesn’t happen overnight, but the reward is worth it.

Also, fear has to be one of the biggest obstacles you must overcome. I was amazed at how much I was standing in my own way. Without risk, there is no reward. Once you discover what it is you want to do, then it is up to you to get out of your shell and do it. A passion not realized is only a wish.

If your passion is not completely obvious to you, then you are not going to find it by thinking about it or meditating on it.
Contrary to popular opinion, passion is not defined as “the one and only right thing I should be doing with my life”. It is defined as a powerful or compelling emotion towards something, such as love or hate.
Most people know what they love or hate. They do not need to procrastinate making a change in their life in order to work it out.
Having the strongest desire to make a career change is a passion. Aspiring to start a business is a passion. “Doing” and “creating” something for yourself (regardless of what it is) are actions that produce passion. Problem is, you won’t be able to see that before you actually get started on something.
So choose something to do and get in there and get started. No more procrastinating!

I loved this article i have tried to answer all the questions to find out my passions but still wish that if i can talk to some one expert to make my self more clear to know that what exactly i love most, i am confused about myself may be i dont know myself much?

I loved the way you have created a method of identifying, I think when people are really passionate about something, they internally know, but answering these questions will make it more clearer.
Thanks for the post

I love what your wrote, but what if I don’t know what I am passionate about? What if there are many things I like but can’t think of anything that I am passionate about? Is that possible? Does everyone have a passion?

I loved this blog and enjoyed reading all of the comments, so thank you.
If any of you are still having trouble finding or identifying your passions, then you may find this interview really helpful.

It’s an interview with Anthony Robbins and Brendan Burchard and Anthony talks about how he discovered his own passions and then went on to monetize them, it’s very inspiring, I didn’t realize that he had such a tough upbringing.

Somehow this concept needs to find it’s way into our children’s learning process (curriculum??) Teaching kids how to discover their passion might be the most important and worthwhile lesson they could learn.

Take care. These introspection efforts can become seven steps to being disillusioned.

If one must question his or herself, then the spirit of “passion” is not born.

The best ideas born, that become passion, most certainly come from the spontaneous moment that something is realized, something is recognized, and it is a moment that truly becomes a “spiritual” movement or motivation within an individual. A movement or motivation that cannot be quenched by any fear, doubt, failure, nor misguided success.

Passion? It comes from within the person and cannot be educated up.
Monkeys can be taught to paint decent artwork, but their passion is to live and play in the jungles.

It’s what comes naturally.

Striving to teach yourself “passion” can and will make you tired and disillusioned at 60.

thank you for writing this post. I have always had hard time finding my passion. But these seven questions made me find and answer. I think it is my passion to make fellow human beings happier. I have always done that. If I see any body suffer, it gives pain in my heart. Thanks once again.

I really wish I can sound like most of you. I honestly cannot capture my passion in a word or a simple phrase. I have thought over it so many times and I just haven’t been able to put my finger to it. However I can describe the things that I like to do that I find real joy in, anytime that I engage in them…there is always a feeling of fulfillment. Some of the activities are simply:
– to give hope to a “hopeless situation”. Anything that looks impossible or has been written off, I like to find a way to give it meaning as long as someone still has an interest in it
– I like to find solutions to problems – problem solving. How to get around things in order to move forward
– I like to wash/clean i.e the fact that I can take something that is “dirty” or “ugly” and make it clean, new or just refreshing
– I like to arrange things that are “disorganised” or “unorganised” and create some order
-I like start – ups. Initiating things – original idea may not be mine – but I like to give life to an idea
– Give meaning to something meaningless…..

What does that make me? What is my passion? In what field of endeavour?

The value of pursuing your passion goes beyond the value of any amount of money. When you pursue your passion, develop a skill set, and become closer to an expert in your field, you essentially get paid to play. The definition of “work” goes out the window!

HI. great 7 questions! i am 33 year old man and to be father for the second time. i have not been able to answer even one question comprehensively coz i am really cloudy in my thoughts these days. even simplest of daily activities are looking difficult to juggle. iam not depressed on underconfident.just i get puzzled over my passions…. weird situtaion !!!!!

I really love this post. am 32 yeas old, I love discusing business alot, even if am eating, sleeping, crying,etc. and you want to make me happy raise a topic on business an u will be my friend for the day, i don’t get tired of discusing business. how do i earn money from discusing business?

Hi Frederic, your post has really got me thinking. Since high school I’ve been asking myself countless time what do I want to do for the rest of my life, and still yet to determine one. I know I love writing (which was why I went for journalism college and now working in the communication field), but all along I have a thirst for science especially astrophysics. But I have to admit, the reality is that my weakest subjects since high school were maths and physics. I fell asleep in maths and physics classes – but all these years I can say writing and language skills are my strongest asset.

Well, the truth now is that I don’t like being in my line right now. I like writing but I feel discouraged writing hard materials like news. Honestly, I’m sticking to my job right now just for the money. I want to change to pursue astrophysics but my degree was a journalism major – it’s like I’m stuck in the art and social sciences line and could never be allowed into the science realm.

In spite of the wish to cross to science, currently I have two thoughts on my mind – science journalism, or screen writing. I thought of screen writing because I would really like to see what I write become something on the screen, acted, played, shown. I hope I can find my true passion one day though!

i am a 16 year old , i love to play cricket as well as track and field, i am very confused about choosing my carrer.
i feel i am a better cricketer than an athlete but sometimes i feel i should do something different because our country produces a lot of talented cricketers but very few athletes..
plz help me what should i choose, i love both the games, should i choose something that i am good at or something that i am not sure that i will succeed ..

I have really enjoyed this post and it encouraged me alot .
I know we all feel discouraged at times. Where are we going in life and what is our purpose. I have heard it said, “find your passion in life, where do your annointings and talents lie? What are you good at? When you find this, you will do this better than you do anything else in life and you will have more fun and enjoy doing it.”

“We all get caught up in the business of a barren life” Dreams seem to fade as the years pass but all this can change if we focus on the priorities.

Who wants to feel barren like nothing is growing or bearing fruit or accomplishing anything meaningful in this life. No one.

I also believe within reason. We all have responsibilities and people or children who depend on us and I know i tend to become bored and lose interest very easily. The key is finding a ballance.

I heard this message on sunday about FOCUS for our lives and landed up agreeing
F. Put first things first. God, Marriage, kids, job, other. Get your priorities straight
O. Others around me are unique. Learn to love them and myself. We need each other to get where we are going.
C. Cut out the distractions in life that keep us from who we were meant to be.
U. Unified VISION. If your not aiming at anything dont expect to hit anything.
S. Stick with it long enough and success will come. Dont quite and give up.

“Follow your passion and success will follow you.”

To truely find our passion is every human beings heart cry and only God who created us knows us. To not find our passion probably robs the world of the uniqueness in each one of us of who we were created to be. THERE ARE SOMETHINGS THAT ONLY YOU WERE CREATED TO DO AND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER ONE LIKE YOU AGAIN. So find your passion and the world will be a better place because of it and you will be so much happier.

I’ve landed on this page on yet another day/month/year/decade of incredible, searing frustration in this regard – but I do like what you’ve written.

After about *25 years* of searching and asking questions and reading books and doing workbooks and journaling and even trying one little business – the furthest I’ve come in understanding my passion is this:
I’m a highly introverted crafty (not artsy) type who would love nothing less than to “manufacture”, maintain, restore or fix something by hand all day long in my own space – but what?? I don’t have the depth of skill in any one area to make/do something I could sell and feel good about. The problem is that I have so many varied interests that no ONE thing has ever taken hold of me so strongly that I was absolutely absorbed. I have a hobby I love but it doesn’t lend itself at all to producing income.

It is nice to see that others have done it though, just so I know it’s possible…

We must not fear failure whatsoever. Failing is only an attempt to get better at something. I’m not good at mathematics, however I’m doing programming at school and know one thing. The more you do something, the better you get at it.

That is the true fact of life. Live the life you want. The more negativity you bring into your life, the more it expands. Positive thoughts will bring what you want.

I think doing anything including what you love consistently eventally starts to feel like a routine. That being said, the moment you start to feel negatively about what you are doing you should remind yourself of how you felt before you were able to do it and were miserable wishing you could do what you loved. That always works to wake me up on those days where I wonder during a stressful moment “Why did I decide to do this?”. Nothing is perfect. If you are able to do what you love and make a living then consider yourself one lucky person. There are too many unhappy people settling and doing the wrong things for the wrong reasons.

I’ve read the responses with great interest, and I find the article valuable. However, I believe it would be helpful to de-couple money from passion. I think there is too much emphasis on this linkage, and it may cause as much harm as good. Linking the two can be impractical and thus paralyzing to too many folks.

I’ve come to a place in life (I’m 52) where I’m highly skeptical of absolutes. Even though I believe some folks have been able to earn a good living by pursuing their passion (good for them), I don’t believe the statement “money follows passion” is a univeral law of nature. For those who have been fortunate to find a financially successful career out of their passion it must be tempting to believe that because it happened for them that it must somehow be true for everyone…….Buyer beware. It may be true for you, but it may NOT be a well!

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue passions in your life. But it’s likely that money will never follow. If that’s the case, then the challenge is to fashion a life where you can still follow your passion(s) and put a roof over your head – and not hate your life!

As a middle-aged guy I find myself describing things more-and-more in terms of what they aren’t. This goes against the grain of our culture, and in some regards against the grain of this web-ste. In the “positive energy movement” for lack of a better way to label it, there’s subtle and not-so-subtle pressure to use only positive ways of phrasing. But I find it helpful to make lists of “don’t likes” rather than “likes”. It’s just the flip-side, and it’s a good way to start where you’re at if you’re in a negative frame of mind to find some clarity that is clouded by your negative energy.

I work in a job that is not my passion, but at the same time, I don’t hate it. Based on my informal surveys of folks I know and bump int, that’s not a bad place to be for a middle-aged guy. I’m looking for new passions as my old ones fade. I also am realistic in understanding that I probably won’t make a living at it, and frankly that’s pretty liberating. Once the pressure is taken off of making a living at it…..who knows what might happen.

In closing, passion does not necessarily have to mean career of job! Linking the two so thoroughtly is wrapping it up in waaaay too much pressure and expectation.

@Roycegatti I didn’t know what my “passion” was , I suspect
there are a few up my sleeve. I am pursuing to know what true
passion will shape and inspire me. That “fear” you wrote about,
holding me back , has since been dispelled once I face it square on
and made the choice to leave. I Willed myself to live without fear
or repercussions from those actions and will find my passion
because of it. Much Success to you in 2011. :o)

I had someone ask me what my passion was. I had never been asked that question before. I really didn’t know how to respond so I googled it. like everything else I do. Came across this blog and it definitely helped me realize some of my passions to talk about. Nice post!

I believe that for most of us, finding our true passion usually involves a good amount of time and a lot of honest soul searching. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in what others (family, friends, colleagues, etc.) need and want from us that we don’t even have a clue anymore of what WE actually want. I think the Seven Questions are a beginning, but we have to learn to strip down the layers and get to the real person we are and then we can go forward figuring out what we want.

im going to try all of these pointers out in my life starting now. i need to find my focus in life. i feel as if i have hit a wall or a stand still if you will and i dont know where to go from here, and life is just passing me by. and life just has to much to offer to let it slip away. jaquia

I am a 41 year old woman who can only seem to think of one thing…..this can’t be all there is to my life! I have four wonderful children. They have there own lives they are living with the exception of my youngest daughter who is still at home with me.I divorced after a 21 year marriage because I just felt unfufilled in so many ways.I have a great boyfriend but still I want more! I have to work . I am the soul supporter of my 11 year old daughter so I must work.My boyfriend is a great man but due to injuries 9 years ago he is no longer able to work so our income is extremely limited.I have always felt like I was meant to do more and I do believe I know what my passion in life is outside of being a mother. Your artical was so inspirational to me but…(yes here comes the but) how can I make my dreams and my passions a reality when you know you are restricted to providing for your child first and yourself. I am a hard worker I want sooo much to be living my life,making myself truely happy as well as my childrens lives. I want to be the example that all things are possible if you dream and believe and work hard but I can’t find my own way to live my passion and my dreams. I would welcome some real advice.

Hi Jodihunter – when I read you post I felt like I was sort of looking in a mirror. Our circumstances are very similar. I plan to spend this winter thinking about the things that bring me joy and happiness and then work toward pursuing them while working at me secular position.

if you know what your passion is then you are one of the lucky few, follow it, pursue it, change other circumstances in your life to make it happen. Only fear is holding you back. Face the fear and know that living your life without fear will allow you to follow your passion. Good luck.

Hi DarylI’m in the middle of a life changing experiment, and this article is very interesting. I’m trying to make as many changes to my life as possible, and finding my passion is one of those things. I’d love your support.

your poor wife. what if she finds her true passion? Then I should say -your poor kids. They’re gonna be orphans if I understand correctly. You must be happy, no questions. There is one exception in this rule – UNLESS it doesn’t hurt anyone. How easy – you walked away from your wife and kids. No, darling, go back and help them out. Sorry you didn’t find out your passion earlier But you”ll never make yourself happy at the expence of otehrs

kj, there some people out there that feels like nothing makes them happy, perhaps you should try not to focus on yourself and try to use some of your talents to make others happy there are a lot of organizations that you can volunteer your time to, either helping others or teaching, ect.. And I promise you not only will it bring a smile to your face but it will bring you inner peace knowing that you made a difference in someones life.

Hey, I'm Daryl Having read this post I have got to say these questions are fantastic – They are a great starter in the search to take action to change their lives for the better. If its okay, I've posted a little inspirational poetic performance about finding your passion to youtube. When I first heard it I thought it was very weird – it has this idea of your belly as a bee-hive. Anyway Cameron Semmens (the poet) ties this in with finding your passion in a very thought provoking way – I thought: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvhipBnrDRk . hope that is okay to share 🙂

hey im carl , have a question . isnt it true that we fear doing things wrong because we care about what we are doing? , maby we fear because the passion is not strong enough, maby if the passion is strong enough the fear dont matter , could this be ? thanks

Melissa,Thank you for this gift you've given me! I started blogging to share my passions! I've been learning from so many people for almost 2 years! When I read this post, then watched your movie, it all came together! My 'why' is different than my passion! I appreciate your help identifying the difference!~Linda

I am one of those thinkers type personalities too that can’t seem to keep a smile on my face either but I do know a few things that may just open the doors for me. I know the 1st battle is always internal so thats the battle ground where I ll be fighting and learning and that the external world values like earning more & more money has nothing to do with true internal happiness….unless you are in denial and you have programmed yourself to believe that BS. Secondly, I also know we as humans can read and talk about billions of ideas and theories but “we only really learn by doing”…so we need to get off our butts and try to do different things that we believe can point to an internal satisfaction that we call passion….

All of a sudden, (I am 57) I realized that I have found a few areas in my life that I am passionate about. One is teaching others a way to break free of working for someone else and make a living on there own, in order that they may not have to ever worry about “money” and that they will have the time and funds if necessary, to find there “passion” in life, if they haven't yet. Number two, I love to write poetry and am on my second book. Number three, I have just started another book as of a few days ago. It's title? PASSION – WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO I FIND IT? My research has brought me here for more ideas. I do not know how this book will all turn out but I know my passion is stronger than the end product and my lessons to be learned are in the journey. This journey is just a path that I bet will bring some other idea for me to then follow. My life is more exciting than it has ever been because I let go of trying to control it. I follow it and watch and listen and rest in knowing I am where I'm suppose to be. My favorite saying? Never give up, never give up, NEVER, EVER, GIVE UP. Your article is great!

I hear that! Not the just kill myself thing, bu the many things are easyI don't think I've ever tried something and not found it easy, you know after thefirst ten minutes or so anyhowBut you do smile, KJ, if you're human you smile at something, but if you'relike me, you don't always smile just because of happiness, you smile becausesomeone or some organization just said something or did something and it provesthat cynical prospective you have regarding some many people who thinkthis or that is right, when really they just have no clue, no grasp of realityOr you smile because something just happened and you know that's goingto come back to you like money in the bank, which won't make you necessarilyhappy, just relieve you of having to deal with some other problemsSo what's the solution? pick something – ya, that's right, pick somethingif you can do a lot of things well, easily, put 'em all up on a dart boardand toos a dart at it and pick something – then do that as if it is your passion,then if after doing that for a while shows you that's not really your passion,then try one of the other things you put up on that dart boardin fact, actually trying something esle, if it turns out no to be your passion,just might reveal to you while your doing that something else, what mightactually be your passion, then you'll have itWinners take action – I know you might not feel like taking action and youmay not feel like a winner, but think about it this way, as a winner you'llhave far more resources available to you to dispell the problems that aregetting you down and running your life, than not being a winner would give youOh, and also, you may need some friends or perhaps a love interest toget you out of that 'I'm so totally empty' feeling, there's nothing like a supportteam on your side to get you through the downers we all feel

wow i know how you feel. i really do. and no people i dont think KJ is kidding. personality disoders are very serious. nothing keeps me happy for long and i dont have any ideas that will because i know that in a very short time it will bore me and i will feel the same as i do now and search for an escape. probably being pills alcohol or drugs or sleep. i am bipolar and i am only 22. so you are not alone.

if you hate your life that much, just do it…there are too many worthless idiots in this life already, taking up space and ruining life for the rest of us…jk…but seriously, if you're gona post something like, you're a pathetic loser.

KJ, I truly hope that you are joking. There are some times in everyone's life that they cannot find a smile. You are worth something! A lot! You are a life with purpose…it may take time to identify what that is, but stay strong. You will want to be someplace someday, I promise 🙂

Each of us has many skills that we're experts at. List your likes/dislikes, what you know how to do, experiences you've had. Set some goals. Are there things you'd like to do? Make a vision board – place pictures of things you'd like to have or achieve. A new sports car, a home by the ocean, have a garden? Sometimes we need to step out of comfort zone and try new things. Pay attention to your automatic negative thoughts….and change your thinking to more positive affirmations. You have the control to change things in your life. You are reponsible for you. The possibilities are endless. Don't allow fear to keep you from doing things.

Finding a place where someone else is benefited by the many things that are easy for you, will be your life saver. Then, as you find out more about the ways in which you prefer to be helpful to others and what makes you the most fulfilled, you can narrow it down.

Why?? I suppose i just dont understand. But seriously… why would you tell us… i mean on the internet; for attention or pity? I do pity you and you’ve obviously gotten my attention, but not for the reasons that i think you were hoping for. But i guess you’ve gotten enough attention and pity already.

This is a great start to finding what you love! Thanks for this article. Have you seen Henri Juntilla's new guide about Passionate Living and doing what you love for a living? It's literally the best ebook I've read in a long time, and even after doing the online thing for several years I found it really inspiring also.

Alot of times, certain subjects are not necessary to go to school for. I think art is one. Other times, a talented person can be trained by the wrong professionals and end up worse than when they started. School may not be the answer for you.

These are marvelous questions to begin the journey towards finding passion. And questions are always at the heart of the matter. I believe that our search for meaning, and its associated result, passion, is the most fundamental quest of the human spirit. How sad, that so many spend their lives separated from their true passion, especially since it is always there and ready to be accessed. As Thoreau said, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.” I’m sure your post will encourage some to commit to pursing their soul’s longing so that they can sing the song that’s within them.

Following your passion is always difficult with many weaknesses to over come. One weakness to overcome for you may be getting your assignments done. Sounds like art school make sense you just need to have confidence in yourself to get that degree. Then when you are done don't forget to ask yourself again “what is it that makes me happy?” I will tell you what helped me finish each assignment was to have a mantra. Some word or phrase that inspires you to keep going. Mine was “first do what is necessary, then do what is possible, and pretty soon you are doing the impossible.”

I totally agree with everything you said, but I have no idea how I'd go about doing that (following my passions, that is). I love art–photography, drawing, ceramics, crafts design–pretty much any thing that involves making something beautiful or unique. my problem is, although I would love to create art for a living, I feel like I can't because I work at such a slow pace so wouldn't be able to finish assigned projects on time. I could probably get into an art school. My problem would be not failing classes due to incomplete assignments by the end of the term…I guess there are other things I like too, but nothing I like nearly as much. I don't know what to do…it's annoying. (p.s. I'm an 18)

Wow, I got a lot just from reading the responses to your article. I think your article is very inspiring. Thank you.
I wish to make a plea to those of us who think that finding your passion is either not worth the effort, or see it as doing what you love for free only. First, the last bit to me just means that you would do what you love even if it would be for free. From all the successful stories I have learned from, money always follow your passion. Never give up on yourself. I am paying the price now for not listening to that still small voice, the one that wants you to be happy. I did just what mostly others thought was what I should be doing. What I thought was the right thing, and not what would make me happy. Until one day I got up and asked myself in almost agony, is this all there is to my life? If this is all I do not want to go on. I then realized I was not on the path I came here to be on. Unfortunately, I have not YET found my passion, but I have taken important steps to find it. My plea then is to never give up on your passion. You have one, we all do!! It’s a fact. I also feel impressed to say, the journey you will embark on to find your passion will be the most important part of it all. What you will learn about yourself and others will be so inspiring and growth promoting you will never regret taking that road. “Seek and ye shall find”. Bibble. “It’s not the end result, but the journey…”. “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. Isaac Newton. Learn from those who have found their passions. All the best to you all.

Wow, I got a lot just from reading the responses to your article. I think your article is very inspiring. Thank you.
I wish to make a plea to those of us who think that finding your passion is either not worth the effort, or see it as doing what you love for free only. First, the last bit to me just means that you would do what you love even if it would be for free. From all the successful stories I have learned from, money always follow your passion. Never give up on yourself. I am paying the price now for not listening to that still small voice, the one that wants you to be happy. I did just what mostly others thought was what I should be doing. What I thought was the right thing, and not what would make me happy. Until one day I got up and asked myself in almost agony, is this all there is to my life? If this is all I do not want to go on. I then realized I was not on the path I came here to be on. Unfortunately, I have not YET found my passion, but I have taken important steps to find it. My plea then is to never give up on your passion. You have one, we all do!! It’s a fact. I also feel impressed to say, the journey you will embark on to find your passion will be the most important part of it all. What you will learn about yourself and others will be so inspiring and growth promoting you will never regret taking that road. “Seek and ye shall find”. Bibble. “It’s not the end result, but the journey…”. “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. Isaac Newton. Learn from those who have found their passions. All the best to you all.

Follow what feels right. Whatever it is that you are passionate about, that will be the most inspiring option available to you. Learn to listen to your gut feeling…it is usually right. Also, remember that all is due in time. They say that timing is everything in business, and that holds true also for following what you are truly passionate about. Even if you don’t start working on what you are passionate about tomorrow, you CAN work on working towards making you passion a reality in your life at some future point in time. So never let that thought leave you. Always let your passion motivate you to get through what you need to do to make it happen eventually.

Follow what feels right. Whatever it is that you are passionate about, that will be the most inspiring option available to you. Learn to listen to your gut feeling…it is usually right. Also, remember that all is due in time. They say that timing is everything in business, and that holds true also for following what you are truly passionate about. Even if you don’t start working on what you are passionate about tomorrow, you CAN work on working towards making you passion a reality in your life at some future point in time. So never let that thought leave you. Always let your passion motivate you to get through what you need to do to make it happen eventually.

I like your post!
I am a 22 year old girl still going to school (economics). I wonder if I want to spent my whole life working from 9-5. I just dont see myself doing that. I really would like to have a small company, but the thing is. How to be different from the rest to make it a succes? What is the key?

I like your post!
I am a 22 year old girl still going to school (economics). I wonder if I want to spent my whole life working from 9-5. I just dont see myself doing that. I really would like to have a small company, but the thing is. How to be different from the rest to make it a succes? What is the key?

I have a slightly different issue though. I have been doing very well in academics throughout and have secured Engineering (Pakistan) as well as MBA degrees (Canada). Since my higher secondary education, I have been asking my teachers, parents and friends about what I am good at and most of them say, “you are good at everything.” They may be giving out a compliment though it leaves me in a fix further.
– I have worked in Telecom for the past ten years (with no big successes),
– did my MBA in Finance (liked it though not loved it) after five years of telecom experience,
– keep thinking of a PhD in project management and then teaching, (though I have turned 37 now)
– keep looking on jobs in social development (that does attract me)
– or to immigrate to Canada in aspiration of a more congnenial environment to tap my passion.

The “killer” is a feeling that I could do a lot more but with a four member family setup (two kids), I need to keep going with the current pace to keep paying the bills regulalry in a better than average living conditions in my country.

I have a slightly different issue though. I have been doing very well in academics throughout and have secured Engineering (Pakistan) as well as MBA degrees (Canada). Since my higher secondary education, I have been asking my teachers, parents and friends about what I am good at and most of them say, “you are good at everything.” They may be giving out a compliment though it leaves me in a fix further.
– I have worked in Telecom for the past ten years (with no big successes),
– did my MBA in Finance (liked it though not loved it) after five years of telecom experience,
– keep thinking of a PhD in project management and then teaching, (though I have turned 37 now)
– keep looking on jobs in social development (that does attract me)
– or to immigrate to Canada in aspiration of a more congnenial environment to tap my passion.

The “killer” is a feeling that I could do a lot more but with a four member family setup (two kids), I need to keep going with the current pace to keep paying the bills regulalry in a better than average living conditions in my country.

What a fantastic article. I really enjoyed reading it and you have certainly given some brilliant starting points for people to look into when trying to discover their passion. I find that sometime the hardest part is just knowing where to start, and your 7 step guide is certainly a great place to begin. Congrats on a brilliant article and thank you for the great read.

This post is proof of its argument: Frederic enjoys writing, helping and counseling. He’s good at it, you can tell, but he’s also motivated and passionate about the issues he discusses. He’s responded to people’s reactions. Good for you, man. I covet your position and highly anticipate the day where I feel at home in the workosphere.

I think there is some interesting link between your passions and what you want to be. As you like to draw, you can be a animator/filmmaker…so it sounds like in creative design/art. and you can freelance singer/dancer over the weekend, if you would like to.

I think there is some interesting link between your passions and what you want to be. As you like to draw, you can be a animator/filmmaker…so it sounds like in creative design/art. and you can freelance singer/dancer over the weekend, if you would like to.

hi i am quite young…like im 17 years old, and i have a huge question to ask! and please answer!

i have many passions, i love to sing,dance,draw,and create stories. I am very shy and i really want to get over it… i use to want to be many things…a lawyer,a real estate agent, a filmmaker, an animator…

But now im more into singing and dancing and performing.
as i wrote i am very shy and it hinders me from doing what i want to do. and i AM afraid of failure in all the things that i love to do. im not really getting the support i need either.

OK ACTUALLY I GOT MORE THAN ONE QUESTION:

1. IS IT NORMAL TO GO THROUGH A PHRASE OF NOT HAVING ANY PASSION AT ALL, OR IS THIS DEPRESSION?

2. is their such a thing as a moment passion,for example, where you first love to draw and was passionate and then moved on to acting because of the moment or surroundings?

3. can surroundings influence a person’s passion?

4. what if you cant do what you love because fear IS holding you back and because of shyness?

hi i am quite young…like im 17 years old, and i have a huge question to ask! and please answer!

i have many passions, i love to sing,dance,draw,and create stories. I am very shy and i really want to get over it… i use to want to be many things…a lawyer,a real estate agent, a filmmaker, an animator…

But now im more into singing and dancing and performing.
as i wrote i am very shy and it hinders me from doing what i want to do. and i AM afraid of failure in all the things that i love to do. im not really getting the support i need either.

OK ACTUALLY I GOT MORE THAN ONE QUESTION:

1. IS IT NORMAL TO GO THROUGH A PHRASE OF NOT HAVING ANY PASSION AT ALL, OR IS THIS DEPRESSION?

2. is their such a thing as a moment passion,for example, where you first love to draw and was passionate and then moved on to acting because of the moment or surroundings?

3. can surroundings influence a person’s passion?

4. what if you cant do what you love because fear IS holding you back and because of shyness?

make sense to me. It’s always important finding your passion. It SHOULD be taught in school. Sounds simple, but the world would be a better place if people were to just do what want to do (in the sense that they don’t just ‘get a job’). This may not be realistic…but would be nice 😉

make sense to me. It’s always important finding your passion. It SHOULD be taught in school. Sounds simple, but the world would be a better place if people were to just do what want to do (in the sense that they don’t just ‘get a job’). This may not be realistic…but would be nice 😉

I understand that you need to know what your passions or interests are in order to be successful or at least have a direction. I am 45 and a father of four in a very dfficult financial situation not being able to provide for my family and worse yet, so unhappy with no career or future for myself which important in order to help my family. My problem is that I have suffered with ocd and add for my entire life and I cannot think clearly enough to figure things out for my future path. Can anybody suggest someone I can contact who understands what someone like me is going through and may be able to offer me some help. Thanks

I understand that you need to know what your passions or interests are in order to be successful or at least have a direction. I am 45 and a father of four in a very dfficult financial situation not being able to provide for my family and worse yet, so unhappy with no career or future for myself which important in order to help my family. My problem is that I have suffered with ocd and add for my entire life and I cannot think clearly enough to figure things out for my future path. Can anybody suggest someone I can contact who understands what someone like me is going through and may be able to offer me some help. Thanks

I truly believe that being successful goes hand-in-hand with making a career out of something you’re passionate about. Second, you must have a clear vision of what you want your end result, or goal, to be. I use visualization every single day to calm my nerves and create focus around my goals and desired outcomes in life.

I truly believe that being successful goes hand-in-hand with making a career out of something you’re passionate about. Second, you must have a clear vision of what you want your end result, or goal, to be. I use visualization every single day to calm my nerves and create focus around my goals and desired outcomes in life.

and I myself feel I don’t know which side feels right to me, and it is something I would really like to resolve…

the question seems to be basically: *how important is money*, that simple

I feel very jeolous that my brothers chose traditional careers and they are making a lot of money. on the other hand my youngest bro started a business based on his passion and he is only 19 and already making big money too!

so I guess looking at my own siblings it shows that both methods can work

for me money seems to represent my self worth. I am not sure if this is good or bad that I think like that? at first I think it must be unhelpful, but on the other hand I feel as though I am undervaluing myself and not reaching my potential financially, so it also feels like some of my issues around money are justified as they are signalling to a deeper problem ie lack of confidence in my own worth, services etc

I read Richard Branson’s autobio, it is great, and in it he talks about never doing anything ‘unless there is an element of fun in it’ ie he never does any activity solely for the money, and he made it…after a fairly big struggle… to be a billionaire!!!

also Andrea Bocelli had to struggle until he was 34 before he was recognised and started making money for his music

and I myself feel I don’t know which side feels right to me, and it is something I would really like to resolve…

the question seems to be basically: *how important is money*, that simple

I feel very jeolous that my brothers chose traditional careers and they are making a lot of money. on the other hand my youngest bro started a business based on his passion and he is only 19 and already making big money too!

so I guess looking at my own siblings it shows that both methods can work

for me money seems to represent my self worth. I am not sure if this is good or bad that I think like that? at first I think it must be unhelpful, but on the other hand I feel as though I am undervaluing myself and not reaching my potential financially, so it also feels like some of my issues around money are justified as they are signalling to a deeper problem ie lack of confidence in my own worth, services etc

I read Richard Branson’s autobio, it is great, and in it he talks about never doing anything ‘unless there is an element of fun in it’ ie he never does any activity solely for the money, and he made it…after a fairly big struggle… to be a billionaire!!!

also Andrea Bocelli had to struggle until he was 34 before he was recognised and started making money for his music

I have a few questions on it. first of all I think it is true, or at least can be, that when you do your passion for your job it loses it’s spark, especially if you are teaching it which is what most people in music or sport (including me) need to end up doing

and in any case now I am questioning, after having done my sport since I was 7 and now I am 32, is it what I want to continue doing? In the last few years I stopped enjoying competing, but I have continued coaching

however, it can be lonely as it is normally after school and private lessons, so I feel stuck during the day times when everyone else is at their 9-5 job

so I am considering a career change, OR taking what I currently do to the next level, really trying to expand it and make it cool and into a much bigger business, where I employ people and do motivational talks during working hours, which is something I have been interested in for years

I feel very passionate about business and thinking like an entrepreneur…so maybe switching into a traditional career eg law, would actually be a shame for me, perhaps I am in the right place I just need to make the effort to lift things to the next level

I have a few questions on it. first of all I think it is true, or at least can be, that when you do your passion for your job it loses it’s spark, especially if you are teaching it which is what most people in music or sport (including me) need to end up doing

and in any case now I am questioning, after having done my sport since I was 7 and now I am 32, is it what I want to continue doing? In the last few years I stopped enjoying competing, but I have continued coaching

however, it can be lonely as it is normally after school and private lessons, so I feel stuck during the day times when everyone else is at their 9-5 job

so I am considering a career change, OR taking what I currently do to the next level, really trying to expand it and make it cool and into a much bigger business, where I employ people and do motivational talks during working hours, which is something I have been interested in for years

I feel very passionate about business and thinking like an entrepreneur…so maybe switching into a traditional career eg law, would actually be a shame for me, perhaps I am in the right place I just need to make the effort to lift things to the next level

Thank you for sharing your story. I totally know how you feel about pursuing your passion and not being guaranteed any money coming in. I’ve lived like that for years. The key is to never ever give up. Keep at it, and perhaps even find a happy medium with your family. Your family can be your foundation that keeps you solid, remember that.

I think this is great.Im currently in a situation with my wife because I got married and I didnt realize how much I was involved into my music more than my wife.I even told her in so many words that my music is first.Im about to leave her after 1 year and 3 months.All because I believe in my gift of music.Marriage is beautiful and ordained by God but so is the Gift that he has graced me with.I want to be able to take care my wife and my kids{one day} and at this time in my life Im not financially stable,and I just found out what my passion is.I just found out what Im supposed to be in life.I have no education,no guaranteed checks coming in.Everything I make isnt promised the next week.All I have is a huge passion for my music and everything mentioned in this article is a reflection of myself.When God gave me Life,he gave me my Gift,thats all I got when that dies,Ill be with it.

I think this is great.Im currently in a situation with my wife because I got married and I didnt realize how much I was involved into my music more than my wife.I even told her in so many words that my music is first.Im about to leave her after 1 year and 3 months.All because I believe in my gift of music.Marriage is beautiful and ordained by God but so is the Gift that he has graced me with.I want to be able to take care my wife and my kids{one day} and at this time in my life Im not financially stable,and I just found out what my passion is.I just found out what Im supposed to be in life.I have no education,no guaranteed checks coming in.Everything I make isnt promised the next week.All I have is a huge passion for my music and everything mentioned in this article is a reflection of myself.When God gave me Life,he gave me my Gift,thats all I got when that dies,Ill be with it.

Great post, I don’t think I ever had a job I didn’t want, or like to do. I wouldn’t say that I had a passion for any of the jobs I held though. More of a desire to accomplish something that I had never tried before, and be the best at doing it.

I don’t know many people, who smile about doing work. But you have to enjoy what you are doing or it becomes work.

The one thing I always had a passion for is working out, so I recently started a blog for people looking to stay healthy and young. Even though I have no clue how this will ever put food on the table, it is something I have a passion for.

Great post, I don’t think I ever had a job I didn’t want, or like to do. I wouldn’t say that I had a passion for any of the jobs I held though. More of a desire to accomplish something that I had never tried before, and be the best at doing it.

I don’t know many people, who smile about doing work. But you have to enjoy what you are doing or it becomes work.

The one thing I always had a passion for is working out, so I recently started a blog for people looking to stay healthy and young. Even though I have no clue how this will ever put food on the table, it is something I have a passion for.

Rick, I 100% completely disagree with your stance. Sure, we have to make compromises in life…we can’t all follow our passion 100% of the time. However, to think that doing what makes you smile or happy is worthless is exactly the type of perception that creates bitterness. And believe me, I can smell the bitterness within your response all the way here in Montreal! Life hasn’t been easy for you I think. Believe me, I know all about it. I worked at something I hated for years, then I worked for free for years (lived on credit/loans)…so that I could finally do what I loved doing. I paid that price, nothing’s for free in this world.

Everyone on this planet has a passion or many passions. Not following it is like turning your back on who you really are. Working only for money or to have a certain “lifestyle” will only continue the unhappiness and make it deeper and deeper. Perhaps nothing excites you about life yet…look further. You have passions like everyone else.

I’ve failied at so many things I’m not afraid of failing anymore. I do things that take my interest at any given time, but none are passions. The lack of fear of failure does not expose a passion. Now I look for passion and find just one big blank.
Nothing I have done has been easy, regardless of whether I had a smile on face. I’ve spent years getting to start lines that younger people have exceeded from a position of total inexperience. No one can do anything for free for long. We all have to eat and living on the street is not a likely passion, or a place where anyone will find one.

It’s time to come clean. The common myths of this article are not indicators of passion any more than hair colour is an indictor of good health.

I’ve failied at so many things I’m not afraid of failing anymore. I do things that take my interest at any given time, but none are passions. The lack of fear of failure does not expose a passion. Now I look for passion and find just one big blank.
Nothing I have done has been easy, regardless of whether I had a smile on face. I’ve spent years getting to start lines that younger people have exceeded from a position of total inexperience. No one can do anything for free for long. We all have to eat and living on the street is not a likely passion, or a place where anyone will find one.

It’s time to come clean. The common myths of this article are not indicators of passion any more than hair colour is an indictor of good health.

I’m humbled that my post could help you find your passion and that you seek to help others….I’m really happy for you and wish you the best! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and I hope it helps others reading this find their true passion as well 🙂

I am disabled and unable to work due to Multiple Sclerosis, but your post really made me think. Then I have discovered my true passion. I will begin to pursue it by volunteering my time, at various MS organizations.

I am disabled and unable to work due to Multiple Sclerosis, but your post really made me think. Then I have discovered my true passion. I will begin to pursue it by volunteering my time, at various MS organizations.

Just stumbled your blog and really enjoyed your well written posts. As a coach too, there’s a lot of ‘guf’ spoken about self improvement, and your site made a refreshing change! I totally endorse the points you give here for finding your true passion. I’ve recently done some research with clients and friends into how possible it is to work at what you love and get paid for it – this often comes up as a concern for people who say it’s all very well suggesting that I work at what I enjoy, but I also need to earn money. The responses so far have been a resounding yes, it is poss to do what you love and get paid. Do you know of any major research that’s taken place on this topic as I feel it would help a lot of people to know that finding their passion, and potentially turning that into work and/or a way of life, is something that can only help them to live happier lives.

Hi Mavi…you can certainly think about a point from which to start with. Try to figure out how you can incorporate what you are passionate about with a career…there are tons of ways to make a living in the dance/music industry, you just have to figure out your starting point and give it a try 😉

yeah, I believe that. I think that when you follow your passion, everything aligns itself in the Universe so that you become successful at it. I mean, to me, merely following your passion is success in itself.

Your post reminds me of something that someone once told me: if there is something you really want in the world, all the universe will come together to help you acheive it. Something like that. Maybe it’s about generating positive energy. If you can create positivity within yourself, then it can spread to those around you.

Your post reminds me of something that someone once told me: if there is something you really want in the world, all the universe will come together to help you acheive it. Something like that. Maybe it’s about generating positive energy. If you can create positivity within yourself, then it can spread to those around you.

I find that doing what I absolutely love to do for a living is stressful, but I wouldn’t trade it for any job in the world. Unless I got paid ten times more for pushing a button. Then I’d have more time to do what I love.

Even if what you do for a living isn’t your passion, you still should enjoy what you do, or you’re wasting your life away!!

I find that doing what I absolutely love to do for a living is stressful, but I wouldn’t trade it for any job in the world. Unless I got paid ten times more for pushing a button. Then I’d have more time to do what I love.

Even if what you do for a living isn’t your passion, you still should enjoy what you do, or you’re wasting your life away!!

I’m really happy for you that you are living your dream! That’s awesome 🙂

Good idea too to spread the word and help our close family & friends follow their dreams as well….I do the same with people around me. I know SO MANY people that have high paying jobs and they are miserable. I always try to show them that in life, doing what you love should come first…the rest will fall into place afterwards.

It’s possible that such behavior is the result of the fear of failure, or even at a deeper level, the fear of success.

What i meant by being unafraid of failure is having that little feeling within your gut that tells you that “this is what I should be doing”…you know that is your destiny when that gut feeling is so strong. Now of course, without taking action, this all becomes a huge waste, so that is why it is important to follow what we are passionate about.

Now, we can have many passions in life, but I truly believe that the one passion that surpasses all others will make us unafraid of failure, because the mere act of following through with it is success in itself. I can speak from experience as I left a cushy job many years ago to follow what I loved doing, and kept going even if I found myself in huge debts, without any guarantee that I would make something out of it. I just knew I had to follow that path, and it ended up paying off a few years later.

Yes at times, it can be scary, and you can have doubts, but the key is to pay attention to that gut feeling, because it is usually right. Knowing that it leads somewhere, even if the road can be bumpy, is enough to keep going at it.

Interesting that you mention – “what makes us unafraid of failure” simply because I’ve found with my clients and my own experiences that we often avoid living in alignment with our passions because we are “afraid” of failing at them.

So, even if we know our passion and strength is music (as an example), we will often still pursue a life of traditional schooling and end up in other jobs mainly because we fear that this amazing passion will be deflated if we choose to live our life in its pursuit.

This is often the case for artists – musicians, writers, painters – who are so afraid to have this incredible passion impacted by negative experiences when we put ourselves out there that they choose to keep their passion as a hobby or give it up altogether.

Curious to know your thoughts on resistance toward living in life with our passions when we already know what they are?

Interesting that you mention – “what makes us unafraid of failure” simply because I’ve found with my clients and my own experiences that we often avoid living in alignment with our passions because we are “afraid” of failing at them.

So, even if we know our passion and strength is music (as an example), we will often still pursue a life of traditional schooling and end up in other jobs mainly because we fear that this amazing passion will be deflated if we choose to live our life in its pursuit.

This is often the case for artists – musicians, writers, painters – who are so afraid to have this incredible passion impacted by negative experiences when we put ourselves out there that they choose to keep their passion as a hobby or give it up altogether.

Curious to know your thoughts on resistance toward living in life with our passions when we already know what they are?

Really like the “What do you like to talk about?” and “What makes you unafraid of failure?” questions — I’ve seen quite a few articles on finding your passion, living your purpose, etc and those actually gave me a different angle to think about.

Really like the “What do you like to talk about?” and “What makes you unafraid of failure?” questions — I’ve seen quite a few articles on finding your passion, living your purpose, etc and those actually gave me a different angle to think about.

Great post. It’s so important to key into individual passions because they are what motivate us and are the root of our unique purposes on Earth. Simple, thought-provoking questions to help uncover what we are all meant to be doing…

Great post. It’s so important to key into individual passions because they are what motivate us and are the root of our unique purposes on Earth. Simple, thought-provoking questions to help uncover what we are all meant to be doing…

This post was amazing! This is what I tell all my friends and family about finding their passion. I have found mine (Baking) and I absolutely cannot live without doing it anymore. I have even gone so far as to start my own small business of a home kitchen bakery. It is so exciting and fulfilling. All in all, awesome post…I really enjoyed it. 🙂

This post was amazing! This is what I tell all my friends and family about finding their passion. I have found mine (Baking) and I absolutely cannot live without doing it anymore. I have even gone so far as to start my own small business of a home kitchen bakery. It is so exciting and fulfilling. All in all, awesome post…I really enjoyed it. 🙂

In addition to “what would you do for free?” I think it’s important to expand this to “and what would you do for $X?” – everyone has a “price”, and knowing where your limit lies helps in setting boundaries for self-worth.

In addition to “what would you do for free?” I think it’s important to expand this to “and what would you do for $X?” – everyone has a “price”, and knowing where your limit lies helps in setting boundaries for self-worth.

Hi Chris, I know what you mean. You are following a logical approach, and that is very good. You have responsibilities and you can’t compromise them by leaving everything to follow your passion.

I did the same thing, until what I was passionate about became sustainable on its own so that I could follow it full time. Just be patient and never lose sight that you are still doing what you like nonetheless and that all this will be worth it in the end 😉

Hi Mike. Thank you much! I’m glad you like the post. Clearly, doing what we are passionate about is very important, yet something that we either overlook, or that we don’t know how to approach properly. Hopefully these questions can help navigate in the right direction to figure out what we are really want out of life 🙂

I enjoyed this post, although have been having challenges with the “What would you do for free?” part. I already am following my passion for free, yet with a wife and son it is more difficult (or perhaps just my perception of difficulty?) to make the transition to leave my job and follow my heart.

Lately, I’ve been working daytime at one job, then after my wife and son go to sleep following my passion. This seems to be working for now, since I can then make ‘the switch’ to following my passion full-time once I’m confident that my family will be provided for.

I enjoyed this post, although have been having challenges with the “What would you do for free?” part. I already am following my passion for free, yet with a wife and son it is more difficult (or perhaps just my perception of difficulty?) to make the transition to leave my job and follow my heart.

Lately, I’ve been working daytime at one job, then after my wife and son go to sleep following my passion. This seems to be working for now, since I can then make ‘the switch’ to following my passion full-time once I’m confident that my family will be provided for.